Architect of Stafford trade proclaims Rams Verse/Fiske haul 'dream scenario'

What makes the Jared Verse/Braden Fiske tandem so critical for the Rams in 2024?

The reason why the Rams coaching staff and front office fixated on selecting both Jared Verse and Braden Fiske to the team in the same 2024 NFL Draft has origins on several fronts. But let's begin with the 2023 NFL Draft and the manner in which OLB Byron Young and NT Kobie Turner shattered the old template and forced the team to reforge a new one. After the 2023 NFL Draft, both Young and Turner became fast friends, which led to a friendly rivalry throughout the 2023 NFL season. Ultimately, It was Turner who emerged atop their quarterback sack quest, recording 9.0 sacks to Young's 8.0 sacks.

In the end, the Rams added a pair of rookies who were the pace setters for the entire rookie class of 2023. The Rams duo led all rookies from their draft class in quarterback sacks. And the pair forged that excellence out of a friendly rivalry that began in OTAs. That was not lost on the powers-than-be in the Rams football organization whatsoever. But before we pursue this avenue of thought any further, we must pivot to another seismic event that led the the Rams unique draft strategy.

All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald opted to retire after the 2023 NFL season had concluded.

That may or may not have been common knowledge among the team's personnel executives and coaching staff, but the sheer impact to this defense is huge nevertheless. There is only so much preparation that you can do if you know that a natural disaster is coming your way. Oftentimes, the best strategy is to flee the affected area. But the team could not run from this one.

Somehow, some way, the front office must retool the defense to compete without Aaron Donal in 2024. The question is: How?